Eryx clutched his hair, his lips busted, tears burning behind his eyes as he forced them back.
"He touched what's mine."
Azrael, breathing heavily, wiped blood from his mouth and scoffed. "What's yours?" he snapped. "She's mine. My mate."
The words hit like a bomb.
Eryx froze. His head snapped toward Athena.
Then he saw it, the rune glowing faintly against her skin.
His world collapsed.
Was the Moon Goddess fucking with him?
A tear slipped free before he could stop it. He stared at Athena, his chest aching so badly it felt like it might split open.
Athena couldn't even look at him.
He turned and stormed out of the den.
"Eryx, wait…" Athena cried, reaching for him.
Theodore spoke quietly but firmly. "Let him be."
She looked up at Theodore through her tears, then watched him turn and walk away too.
Her legs finally gave out. Azrael caught her instantly, pulling her into his arms.
"Shh," he murmured, holding her close. "It's okay, Viper."
